What Happened to Concert Etiquette?

Today, it feels like every concert is becoming less about the music and more about online gratification. Like yeah, “I finna be in the pit!!” but after your phone blocks my view for the entire show, right? 

Syracuse University’s annual Juice Jam concert was held on Sept. 22, with performances from Smino, Maisie Peters, and headliner Quavo. While many students took issue with this lineup, I had an even bigger problem: the crowd was one huge swarm of screens. 

Our parents were right — it really is these damn phones. 

As an avid concert-goer, this is the unfortunate reality for the majority of concerts in the digital age. Concert etiquette has become a thing of the past and average-at-best videos for Instagram stories are constantly traded for the memorable experiences that audiences should be fully present for.

It’s not just the phones either. Let’s go back to first grade, shall we? Keep your hands to yourself and respect personal space. If six- and seven-year-olds can do it, so can we.

After Maisie Peters’ set, Quavo fans started pushing their way to the front, making the area more packed than it should be with all the unnecessary movement. 

We all understand that a concert pit is going to be crowded and we’re all packed together, but like… if you want a good view, get there earlier. 

Even artists are beginning to notice this shift. English singer, Beabadoobee, called her own crowd out for reckless and aggressive behavior like shoving, screaming, and jumping over people.

“For me, it’s common sense,” she said. “I want everyone to have fun at the concerts because I’m having fun… if you’re stopping people from having fun, that’s not a vibe.”
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a condemnation of having fun at concerts. Think of this as a reminder to be more in the moment, whether that’s by putting your phone down for more than four seconds or simply just being aware of the people around you. 

Bottom line: concerts are, and will always be, about the music. So, the next time you think about raising your phone or getting pushy, just keep in mind why you’re there in the first place. Concert etiquette people! It's not that hard.